Battery exercising device

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a battery exercising device configured to discharge and charge a rechargeable battery, such as a lead-acid battery, after a set amount of time has elapsed. The battery exercising device is configured to receive electrical power from a power source and periodically transfer this power into a battery connected to the battery exercising device. After a period has elapsed, for example two weeks, the device applies a discharging load to the connected battery to drain the battery to a predetermined discharge level. Thereafter, the device charges the connected battery to a predetermined charge level. Once charged to the predetermined charge level, the device again waits the set period of time and repeats the discharge/recharge sequence.

PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationSerial No. 62/285,777, filed Nov. 9, 2015, entitled “AUTOMATIC TIMEDBATTERY CHARGE/DISCHARGE EVENT CONTROLLER,” the disclosure of which isincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

In some commercial and residential situations, rechargeable batteriessuch as those used in golf carts, boats, mining machinery, or otherdevices may sit unused for an extended period of time. As such, thebattery may slowly drain, lose its charge, and be unable to providepower when the need eventually arises. In an effort to maintain acontinuous full charge in the battery, some battery chargers provide afloat charge after the battery is fully charged to continuously “topoff” the battery charge. However, the required float charge is directlydependent on the temperature of the battery and thus needs todynamically change to account for changes in the temperature of thebattery. For example, the required float charge at night can bedifferent from the required float charge during the day due to dailytemperature differences. Therefore, some of these types of batterychargers require internal logic and temperature sensing components toconstantly maintain a proper charge in the underlying battery. Further,some of these types of battery chargers require constant power from anoutside source to continuously apply a float charge to the battery.However, when a power outage occurs, the battery can begin to dischargenaturally and lose voltage. Oftentimes the battery may have onlypartially discharged when the power returns and the battery beginsrecharging.

While a variety of battery chargers have been made and used, it isbelieved that no one prior to the inventors have made or used aninvention as described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims which particularly pointout and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description ofcertain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich like reference numerals identify the same elements and in which:

FIG. 1 depicts a diagrammatical view of an exemplary battery exercisingdevice;

FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of an exemplary method of using the batteryexercising device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 depicts a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit system used inthe battery exercising device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of thebattery exercising device of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 5 depicts a diagrammatical view of an exemplary method of operationfor the battery exercising device FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A depicts a diagrammatical view of an exemplary arrangement of oneembodiment of a battery exercising device connected to a standalonerecharging device;

FIG. 6B depicts a diagrammatical view of an alternate arrangement ofanother embodiment of a battery exercising device connected to astandalone recharging device.

FIG. 7 depicts a diagrammatical view of an exemplary arrangement of oneembodiment of a battery exercising device connected to threerechargeable batteries.

The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it iscontemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be carriedout in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depictedin the drawings. The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming apart of the specification illustrate several aspects of the presentinvention, and together with the description serve to explain theprinciples of the invention; it being understood, however, that thisinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description of certain examples of the invention shouldnot be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples,features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdescription, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modescontemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all withoutdeparting from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptionsshould be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

It will be appreciated that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, versions, examples, etc. described herein may be combinedwith any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, versions,examples, etc. that are described herein. The following-describedteachings, expressions, versions, examples, etc. should therefore not beviewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways inwhich the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included within thescope of the claims.

I. Battery EXERCISING DEVICE

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a device configured to periodicallycharge and discharge a battery, referred to herein after as batteryexercising device (1). Battery exercising device (1) includes a housing(3) which provides a protective outer shell and may include featuressuch as handles (not shown) or feet (not shown). Outer shell may berigid and may feature any rigid nonflammable materials, including butnot limited to steel or aluminum. Battery exercising device (1) isconfigured to receive power from a power source (5), including but notlimited to conventional electrical outlets and renewable power sourcessuch as solar panels and wind turbines. Power (i.e., electricity) frompower source (5) is supplied through a power cord (7) or a similarwiring arrangement. Power cord (7) may be integrated with housing (3) ormay be detachable from housing (3). Power source (5) may be a walloutlet or another mechanical structure for coupling with power cord (7)and delivering electrical power to battery exercising device (1).

Battery exercising device (1) is configured to recharge a battery (9),such as a lead-acid battery, referred to hereinafter as rechargeablebattery (9) or battery (9). In the illustrated embodiment, rechargeablebattery (9) includes a positive terminal (11), a negative terminal (13),and internal elements well known in the art for providing batterygenerated electrical current through terminals (11, 13) as needed or forreceiving electrical input to charge battery (9). A positive wire (15)extends from housing (3) at a proximal end and includes a positive lead(17) at the distal end. Positive lead (17) is configured to electricallycouple with positive terminal (11) and may be in the form of a clamp orany other similar connector element. Similarly, a negative wire (19)extends from housing (3) at a proximal end and includes a negative lead(21) at the distal end. Negative lead (21) is configured to electricallycouple with negative terminal (13) and may be in the form of a clamp orany other similar connector element.

In some embodiments of battery exercising device (1), rather than beinga “one-to-one” configuration for charging one battery (9), variousfeatures and circuitry may be provided to enable a “one-to-many”configuration and allow battery exercising device (1) to servicemultiple batteries, all coupled with battery exercising device (1). Tofacilitate charging multiple batteries, more than one positive wire (15)and more than one negative wire (19) may extend from housing (3) to becoupled with a respective battery as needed. Further, each pair ofpositive wire (15) and negative wire (19) may provide different terminalends or heads, similar to positive lead (17) and negative lead (19) toallow coupling with different styles of batteries. Still further,battery exercising device (1) may charge and discharge a plurality ofbatteries wired together in a series circuit style, wherein each batteryis similar to battery (9), such as the battery system used in anelectric golf cart for example.

In the illustrated embodiment, positive wire (15) and negative wire (19)are electrically coupled with a control unit (23) disposed insidehousing (3). Control unit (23) may comprise circuitry and/or electricalcomponents operable to convey appropriate voltages and currents frompower source (5) through wires (15, 19) as necessary to selectivelydischarge or charge battery (9). Control unit (23) may comprise aprocessing component (24), such as one or more of a microcontroller,including but not limited to a PIC microcontroller or other similarcircuit, a microprocessor, or other similar processing devicesconfigured to receive inputs, such as signals from input mechanism (45)and signals from one or more timers and/or sensors. Processing component(24) may include a CPU programmed to make decisions regarding what to dowhen it receives inputs, such as signals from input mechanism (45) andsignals from one or more sensors, timers and/or counters included withinexercise device (1). Control unit (23) may use logic, such as that shownin FIG. 2 and described below, to determine whether to selectivelydischarge or charge battery (9). That logic may be stored in andexecuted by the processing component (24) of control unit (23).

In some embodiments of battery exercising device (1), a fan (25) isdisposed in housing (3) to provide cooling to battery exercising device.Housing (3) can also be constructed to include or define openings orvents to provide ventilation to assist with cooling. In this embodiment,fan (25) is electronically coupled to control unit (23) through fancircuitry (27) and controllable there through to selectively actuate fan(25) as needed to cool the internal chamber of housing (3) and thecomponents disposed therein.

As shown, real time clock (29) is disposed in housing (3) to provide acontinuous reliable timing element for battery exercising device (1). Areal time clock can be a computer clock that keeps track of the currentdate, time, and day of week, and may be in the form an integratedcircuit. Information provided by real time clock (29) is used by controlunit (23) to determine when to initiate a charge or discharge cycle ofbattery (9) and also to limit the time period of both charge anddischarge cycles. Real time clock (29) may use a crystal oscillator or apower line frequency or any other mechanism suitable for tracking timeand providing this information to control unit (23). As shown, real timeclock (29) is powered by a clock battery (31), which may be areplaceable and/or rechargeable lithium-ion style battery or any othersuitable power source. Clock battery (31) can provide continuous powerto real time clock (29) regardless of the operation or connection ofpower source (5). Thus, if power source (5) experiences a temporarypower outage or other disruption in the supply of power, real time clock(29) continues to operate and account for the passage of time. Oncepower source (5) resumes operation or recovers from the power outage,clock battery (31) allows real time clock (29) and battery exercisingdevice (1) to resume operation and continue operations without adisruption or delay in the time monitoring capabilities of the device(1).

As shown, real time clock (29) is electronically coupled with controlunit (23) through clock circuitry (33), which allows information signalsto pass between control unit (23) and real time clock (29). Thedetermination of whether a predetermined wait period has elapsed may bemade either by control unit (23) or real time clock (29). In someembodiments of battery exercising device (1), control unit (23) isprogrammed to periodically poll real time clock (29) for timing datasuch as timestamps and determines whether to initiate a charge ordischarge cycle based upon this collected information. The timing datamay include information regarding the current date and/or time. In someother embodiments of battery exercising device (1), real time clock (29)may determine when the predetermined wait period has expired andinitiates an interrupt to control unit (23) to communicate thisinformation and actuate control unit (23) to initiate a charge ordischarge cycle. The predetermined wait period may be in the form of aspecific date and/or time, such as Aug. 5, 2016, or may be in the formof a relative offset of time, such as “200 hours from now,” or may be arepetitive wait period such as “every 3 weeks” or “every 200 hours.”Real time clock (29) works in conjunction with processing component (24)of control unit (23) to facilitate timing related tasks and to determinewhen a particular period is elapsed. Utilizing a wait period thatcomprises a substantial amount of time, such as weeks or months, asopposed to seconds or minutes, may be useful for certain types ofbatteries, such as lead-acid batteries. By way of example, the waitperiod may comprise at least one day, preferably at least one week, morepreferably at least two weeks, and still more preferably at least onemonth. In some embodiments, the wait period may comprise a time periodwithin the range of about two weeks to about three months.

Some embodiments of battery exercising device (1) include an inputmechanism (45). The user may actuate input mechanism (45) to configureand customize the predetermined wait period, which is the desired amountof time to wait between the end of a charge cycle and the beginning ofthe next discharge cycle to be performed by battery exercising device(1). In some embodiments, input mechanism (45) may comprise a knob, abutton, a touch screen, or any other element for configuring andinputting wait period information into battery exercising device (1).Input mechanism (45) may comprise an external device, such as asmartphone, tablet, or computer that communicates with control unit (23)via a wired and/or wireless connection to control unit (23). Forexample, housing (3) may include a USB-style jack (not shown) for use inwired communication between control unit (23) and a laptop computer. Inembodiments where input mechanism (45) comprises an external device thatcan communicate with control unit (23) via a wireless connection, thedevice (1) may include a wireless module, which may include a receiver,configured to allow the external device to communicate with control unit(23). The wireless connection may utilize any suitable wirelesscommunication technology, including but not limited to Bluetoothtechnology. The user may then manipulate the wait period information viathe laptop computer. Input mechanism (45) may comprise both an internalinput device such as a knob, as well as a device for receiving periodinformation through an external input via a wired and/or wirelessconnection to control unit (23). Some embodiments of battery exercisingdevice (1) may also allow a user to provide other information via inputmechanism (45) such as selecting the type of battery amp hour, such as amarine amp hour or a crank amp hour. In some embodiments input mechanism(45) may comprise more than one input device, such as multiple knobs,buttons, touch screens, or combinations thereof.

In the illustrated embodiment, input mechanism (45) is electricallycoupled with control unit (23) through an input mechanism circuit (47)configured to communicate the wait period selection information frominput mechanism (45) to control unit (23). In other embodiments ofbattery exercising device (1), the wait period for waiting betweencharge cycles may be stored in or accessible by control unit (23). Inthese embodiments, input mechanism (45) and input mechanism circuit (47)can be omitted. In some other embodiments, the wait period can be set toa default value stored in or accessible to control unit (23) unless anduntil the user changes the wait period through input mechanism (45).

As discussed previously, some embodiments of battery exercising device(1) may feature a “one-to-many” configuration and provide for chargingmultiple batteries. In some embodiments, each connected battery isassociated with the overall wait period, which applies to everyconnected battery. Therefore, if a battery is added to the batteryexercising device (1) in the middle of a wait period, that battery ischarged at the expiration of the wait period, regardless of the actualcharge of the battery. Further, each battery is serviced in succession,whereby once the discharge/charge cycle finishes for a first battery,battery exercising device (1) begins the discharge/charge cycle for asecond battery. Battery exercising device (1) then continues toconsecutively discharge/charge each battery connected to batteryexercising device (1) until all batteries are serviced. Batteryexercising device (1) may be configured to allow for different waitingperiods for different batteries connected to battery exercising device(1) by incorporating necessary additional mechanical features such asmultiple input mechanisms (45) or any other elements necessary tofacilitate disparate waiting periods for multiple batteries.

In some embodiments, input mechanism (45) may also allow the user toinitiate an immediate discharging and/or charging of battery (9),regardless of whether the wait period for waiting between charge cycleshas expired. When the user initiates an immediate discharge/charge ofbattery (9), control unit (23) is programmed to proceed as if the waitperiod has expired, as described above. Therefore, control unit (23)proceeds to discharge battery (9) as needed to the discharge level andthereafter charges battery (9) to the charge level. This feature allowsa user to immediately start the discharge/charge cycling of battery (9)as needed. In some embodiments, instead of or in addition to using inputmechanism (45) to manually initiate a discharging and/or charging of thebattery, device (1) may include a separate manual initiation mechanismconfigured to allow a user to manually initiate a discharging and/orcharging of the battery. The separate manual initiation mechanism couldbe an internal mechanism that is built into the device (1), such as aknob, button, touch screen, or any other suitable internal inputmechanism or an external mechanism, such as a smartphone, tablet,computer, or any other suitable external input mechanism. In embodimentsthat comprise an external input mechanism, the external input mechanismmay communicate with control unit (23) via a wired and/or wirelessconnection to control unit (23). For example, housing (3) may include aUSB-style jack (not shown) for use in wired communication betweencontrol unit (23) and a laptop computer. In embodiments where theexternal input mechanism can communicate with control unit (23) via awireless connection, the device (1) may include a wireless module, whichmay include a receiver, configured to allow the external device tocommunicate with control unit (23). The wireless connection may utilizeany suitable wireless communication technology, including but notlimited to Bluetooth technology.

A feedback mechanism (37) may be incorporated into battery exercisingdevice (1).

Feedback mechanism (37) may be configured to provide feedback, such asaudio or visual indications, to a user regarding one or more pieces ofinformation about the battery exercising device (1) and/or battery (9).By way of example only, feedback mechanism (37) may provide audio orvisual indications regarding the mode of the battery exercising device(1) (e.g., whether battery exercising device (1) is in a wait mode,discharge mode, rest mode, or charge mode), whether battery exercisingdevice (1) is receiving power from power source (5), whether battery (9)has reached the predetermined discharge level or charge level, theprogress of the charging or discharging cycle relative to thepredetermined charge level or discharge level, and other similar typesof information.

Feedback mechanism (37) may comprise a light, including but not limitedto an LED light, connected to control unit (23) by way of a lightcircuit (39). In some embodiments where feedback mechanism (37)comprises a light, control unit (23) may be programmed to actuatefeedback mechanism (37) to illuminate in a first color when rechargeablebattery (9) is being charged (i.e., when battery exercising device (1)is in charge mode) and illuminate in a second color when rechargeablebattery (9) is being discharged (i.e., when battery exercising device(1) is in discharge mode). In some embodiments of device (1), additionalcolors, flashing patterns, or other indicia may be provided via feedbackmechanism (37) for indicating the state of the charging and/ordischarging. For example, a set of three out of five rectangular shapedbars may be illuminated to indicate the charge cycle is three-fifthscomplete. In other embodiments of device (1), feedback mechanism (37)may comprise a display screen for providing feedback information to theuser, including but not limited to alphanumeric messages or error codes.In other embodiments of device (1), feedback mechanism (37) may comprisea speaker for emitting an audible tone, beep or other sound forproviding feedback information to the user. In some embodiments, device(1) may include more than one feedback mechanism, including but notlimited to two or more lights, two or more speakers, or a combination oftwo or more lights, speakers, and displays.

When the desired wait period has elapsed, control unit (23) isprogrammed to initiate a discharge mode using a discharge circuit (41)to lower the voltage in battery (9). Discharge circuit (41) compriseselectronic circuitry for use in draining voltage from battery (9) byallowing exercising device (1) to apply a load to battery (9) in orderto drain battery (9). In some embodiments of battery exercising device(1), during the discharge mode, control unit (23) discharges battery (9)to a pre-determined voltage level, referred to hereinafter as adischarge level, which may be set by the user. In some embodiments, theduration of the discharge mode or cycle may be limited by a time limit,such as a specific number of minutes, hours, days, specific date, etc.,which may also be set by the user. Allowing the discharge cycle to takeplace over a substantial amount of time, such as days, weeks or months,as opposed to seconds or minutes, may be useful for certain types ofbatteries, such as lead-acid batteries. The user may set and update thedischarge level and, when applicable, the time limit for the dischargecycle through any common mechanism for interfacing with control unit(23), including through a wired connection, such as a USB port, orthrough a wireless connection, such as a Bluetooth® module. In someembodiments, input mechanism (45) may also allow for the user to set andupdate the discharge level. Various hardware, circuitry, and/orprogramming components of battery exercising device (1) may be modifiedas needed and as known within the art to allow this to be accomplishedvia input mechanism (45).

In some embodiments, the discharge level can be greater than zero voltsor substantially equal to zero volts. In embodiments where the dischargelevel is substantially equal to zero volts, control unit (23) fullydischarges battery (9), or in other words, discharges battery (9) untilthe voltage substantially equals zero volts. Control unit (23) may beprogrammed to periodically determine the present voltage level ofbattery (9) to determine the status of the discharge and whether thedischarge level has been reached. The voltage level of battery (9) maybe determined through a voltage divider circuit which feeds an analogdigital conversion circuit or equivalent circuitry. Sensors may also beutilized to determine the present voltage level of battery (9). Inembodiments where a time limit is utilized by control unit (23) tocontrol the length of the discharge cycle, then control unit (23) mayalso be programmed to periodically check a timer to determine if thetime limit has elapsed.

After the discharge mode is completed (i.e., the voltage level hasreached the discharge level and/or the time limit for the dischargecycle has elapsed) and, in some embodiments, after an optional restperiod, control unit (23) is programmed to initiate a charge mode usinga charge circuit (43). Charge circuit (43) comprises electroniccircuitry for use in increasing the voltage of battery (9) or otherwiserecharging battery (9) by allowing exercising device (1) to provide acharging current to battery (9). During charge mode, control unit (23)charges battery (9) until the unit is fully recharged or until battery(9) has reached a pre-determined voltage level, referred to hereinafteras a charge level. In some embodiments, the duration of the charge modeor cycle may be limited by a time limit, such as a specific number ofminutes, hours, days, specific date, etc., which may also be set by theuser. Allowing the charge cycle to take place over a substantial amountof time, such as days, weeks or months, as opposed to seconds orminutes, may be useful for certain types of batteries, such as lead-acidbatteries. The user may set and update the charge level and, whenapplicable, the time limit for the discharge cycle through any commonmechanism for interfacing with control unit (23), including through awired connection, such as a USB port, or through a wireless connection,such as a Bluetooth® module. In some embodiments, input mechanism (45)may also allow for the user to set and update the charge level.

In some embodiments, the charge level can be less than or substantiallyequal to the full voltage capacity of battery (9). In embodiments wherethe charge level is substantially equal to the full voltage capacity ofbattery (9), control unit (23) fully charges battery (9), or in otherwords, charges battery (9) until the voltage is substantially equal tothe full voltage capacity of battery (9). Control unit (23) may beprogrammed to periodically determine the present voltage level ofbattery (9) to determine the status of the recharge and whether thedesired charge level has been reached. As stated above, the voltagelevel of battery (9) may be determined through a voltage divider circuitwhich feeds an analog digital conversion circuit or equivalentcircuitry. Also as stated above, sensors may also be utilized todetermine the present voltage level of battery (9). In embodiments wherea time limit is utilized by control unit (23) to control the length ofthe charge cycle, then control unit (23) may also be programmed toperiodically check a timer to determine if the time limit has elapsed.Once the charge cycle is completed (i.e., battery (9) is recharged tothe charge level and/or the time limit for the charge cycle haselapsed), the internal timer for the wait period is reset in theprocessing component (24) and the process of waiting for the wait periodto elapse, discharging battery (9) to the discharge level, andrecharging battery (9) to the charge level repeats.

In some embodiments, battery exercising device (1) may be configured tocharge battery (9) using constant current with an upper voltage cutoff.In other words, battery exercising device (1) may be configured tocharge battery (9) by providing power to battery (9) at a constantcurrent until a predetermined voltage limit is reached, and thencharging is stopped. In other embodiments, battery exercising device (1)may be configured to charge battery (9) using a combination of constantcurrent and constant voltage, similar to current smart chargers. In suchan embodiment, battery exercising device (1) may be configured to chargebattery (9) using constant current first and then switch to chargingbattery (9) using constant voltage during the charge cycle. In suchembodiments, when battery exercising device (1) is charging battery (9)using constant voltage, the battery exercising device (1) may providepower to battery (9) at a constant voltage until the current reaches acertain threshold, such as substantially zero amps. Various hardware,circuitry, and/or programming components of battery exercising device(1) may be modified as needed and as known within the art to provide thedesired current and voltage features described herein.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a circuit diagramincorporating elements of battery exercising device (1), includingdiagrammatical features relating to power source (5), processingcomponent (24), real time clock (29), fan (25), fan circuitry (27),light (37), discharge circuit (41), charge circuit (43), and inputmechanism (45). The illustrated embodiment also includes a voltagesensing circuit (46) configured to be used to determine the currentvoltage level of the battery (9). Further, the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 3 includes a relay control (48) for selectively switching betweendischarge circuit (41) and charge circuit (43) as needed. In theillustrated embodiment, charge circuit (43) is in electricalcommunication with power source (5) and comprises a charge controller(43 a). Charge controller (43 a) is configured to regulate the powerprovided by power source (5) before the charging current is communicatedto battery (9). Charge controller (43 a) may be configured to regulatethe current and/or the voltage of the power being communicated throughcharge circuit (43). The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3 also includesa power regulator (24 a) configured to regulate power being provided toprocessing component (24). Power regulator (24 a) may also regulatepower being provided to peripheral components connected to processingcomponent (24) as well. Power regulator (24 a) may be in electricalcommunication with power source (5) and battery (9) so that powerregulator (24 a) can draw power from power source (5) or battery (9) asneeded.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of battery exercising device (1),showing portions of housing (3) removed and configured into a portableunit. FIG. 4 illustrates embodiments of positive wire (15), positivelead (17), negative wire (19), and negative lead (21). FIG. 4 furtherillustrates embodiments of control unit (23) and fan (25).

II. Periodic Recharging Method

A method for periodic recharging of a battery, such as rechargeablebattery (9) is illustrated in FIG. 2 as periodic recharging method(101). The logic and instructions to complete these steps may be storedin and executed by processing component (24). Battery exercising device(1), and preferably control unit (23), may comprise one or more sensors,timers, and/or counters that may be used to execute various steps withinperiodic recharging method (101).

As shown, periodic recharging method (101) begins with a wait periodcheck (103) whereby a determination is made as to whether a wait periodhas elapsed. If the wait period has elapsed, method (101) proceeds to adischarge step (105). If the wait period has not yet elapsed, waitperiod check (103) repeats. With reference to FIG. 1, the wait periodmay be set by a user via an input device, such as input mechanism (45),or the wait period may be a pre-set system parameter accessible bycontrol unit (23). Real time clock (29) directs processing component(24) to start a cycle and, subsequently, the processing component (24)tracks the elapsed time. That wait time being tracked by the processingcomponent (24) may then be used in determining whether the wait periodhas elapsed. The wait period may be a time frame or a specifictime/date. In some embodiments, control unit (23) may be programmed toapply a trickle charge to battery (9) during the wait period.

If the wait period has elapsed, then method (101) proceeds to dischargestep (105) where the battery is discharged. As discussed above, indischarge step (105) control unit (23) initiates a discharge modewhereby discharge circuit (41) drains the voltage from the battery.Thereafter, method (101) proceeds to a discharge level check (107)whereby a determination is made as to whether the battery has reachedthe desired discharge level. This determination may be made by pollingor sampling the battery voltage to determine the current voltage levelof the battery (9) and determining whether the polled voltage level hasreached a desired discharge level. By way of example only, the pollingmay be performed every minute or every thirty seconds, or any othersuitable time period. If the battery is fully discharged, method (101)proceeds to a rest step (108). If the battery hasn't yet reached thedischarge level, method (101) proceeds back to discharge step (105) tocontinue discharging the battery. In some embodiments, the user mayspecify or input a specific time frame for discharging battery (9). Byway of example only, the user may specify a three-day time period or anyother suitable time frame for discharging battery (9). The time framefor discharging battery (9) may vary depending on the size of battery(9).

If the voltage level has reached the specified discharge level, thenmethod (101) proceeds to rest step (108) where method (101) waits for anamount of time before proceeding to a charge step (109) whereby thebattery is charged. As discussed above, in charge step (109) controlunit (23) initiates a charging mode whereby charge circuit (43) isutilized to charge the battery. Thereafter, method (101) proceeds to acharge level check (111) whereby a determination is made as to whetherthe battery has reached the desired charge level. This determination maybe made by polling the battery to determine the current voltage leveland determining whether the polled voltage level has reached a desiredcharge level. If the battery has reached the desired charge level,method (101) proceeds to a reset step (113). If the battery has notreached the desired charge level, method (101) proceeds back to chargestep (109) to continue charging the battery. In some embodiments, theuser may specify or input a specific time frame for charging battery(9). By way of example only, the user may specify a three-day timeperiod or any other suitable time frame for charging battery (9). Thetime frame for discharging battery (9) may vary depending on the size ofbattery (9). In some embodiments, the user may be able to select thecurrent being used to charge battery (9) in order to increase ordecrease the amount of time required to charge battery (9) to thedesired charge level. The user may set and update the current throughany common mechanism for interfacing with control unit (23), includingthrough a wired connection, such as a USB port, or through wirelessconnection, such as a Bluetooth® module. In some embodiments, this maybe accomplished via input mechanism (45). Various hardware, circuitry,and/or programming components of battery exercising device (1) may bemodified as needed and as known within the art to allow this to beaccomplished via input mechanism (45).

In reset step (113) the wait period is reset to begin a new period ofwaiting. This may be accomplished by clearing a variable stored in amemory associated with control unit (23) or through circuitry or by anyother mechanism for resetting the wait period.

III. Method of Operation

A method of operation is illustrated in FIG. 5, and referred to hereinafter as method of operation (201). Method of operation (201) includesfour operation modes, a wait mode (203), a discharge mode (205), a restmode (206), and a charge mode (207), and battery exercising device (1)may operate between these four modes while battery exercising device (1)is connected with rechargeable battery (9).

In wait mode (203), control unit (23) and real time clock (29) cooperateto determine whether the set wait period has elapsed. When the waitperiod has elapsed, method of operation (201) transitions from wait mode(203) to discharge mode (205). In some embodiments, exercising device(1) may apply a trickle charge to battery (9) during wait mode (203).

In discharge mode (205), control unit (23) engages discharge circuit(41) to discharge or drain rechargeable battery (9) to the desireddischarge level. Once rechargeable battery (9) is sufficientlydischarged, method of operation (201) transitions from discharge mode(205) to rest mode (206)

In rest mode (206), battery (9) is stabilized by waiting a period oftime and refraining from applying either a charge or discharge currentto battery (9). After the predetermined time period for rest mode (206)has elapsed, method of operation (201) transitions to charge mode (207).

In charge mode (207), control unit (23) engages charge circuit (43) tocharge rechargeable battery (9) to the desired charge level. Oncerechargeable battery (9) is sufficiently charged, method of operation(201) transitions back to wait mode (203) to repeat method of operation(201) or until either power source (5) or rechargeable battery (9) isdisconnected from battery exercising device (1).

IV. Using a Battery Exercising Device in Conjunction with a StandaloneCharger

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, embodiments of battery exercising devicemay be configured for use with a conventional or “off-the-shelf”standalone recharging device (300). By way of example only, standalonerecharging device (300) could comprise Lester®, Sears®, or Schumacher®branded recharging devices (300). These embodiments of batteryexercising device, referred to hereinafter as battery exercising device(301), may be configured to leverage the discharging and chargingcapabilities of ready-made components and charging devices, such asstandalone recharging device (300). Typical off-the-shelf standalonerecharging devices, such as recharging device (300), do not dischargethe battery. Therefore, battery exercising device (301) is configured toperform the discharge cycle when used in conjunction with those types ofoff-the-shelf standalone recharging devices.

Standalone recharging device (300) includes a power cord (303) forconnecting with a power source. As shown in FIG. 6A, in some embodimentsof battery exercising device (301), standalone recharging device (300)receives power directly from power source (5) through power cord (303).Battery exercising device (301) is electrically connected to standalonerecharging device (300) by a connector (305), whereby connector (305)facilitates the passing of the charge current from standalone rechargingdevice (300) to battery exercising device (301). Connector (305) may bestandard alligator clips or any other mechanism for coupling standalonerecharging device (300) with another element. In some embodiments ofthis configuration, standalone recharging device (300) is constantlyproviding charging current through connector (305), with batteryexercising device (301) allowing this charging current to pass throughto battery (9) via positive wire (15) and negative wire (19) only afterthe expiration of the wait period. In other embodiments, batteryexercising device (301) actuates standalone recharging device (300) tostart charging at the expiration of the wait period and passes thischarging current there through, using positive wire (15) and negativewire (19). In some embodiments, standalone recharging device (300) maycomprise a smart charger, capable of independently monitoring andregulating charging characteristics such as voltage and percentage ofbattery charge and a device that uses constant current and then constantvoltage to recharge a battery electrically coupled to the standalonerecharging device (300). In some embodiments, standalone rechargingdevice (300) is not configured to discharge battery (9). In thisscenario, battery exercising device (301) initiates a discharge cycledirectly from battery exercising device (301) to battery (9) after thewait period is expired and prior to passing the charge current fromstandalone recharging device (300) to battery (9).

As shown in FIG. 6B, in other embodiments, standalone charging device(300) receives power indirectly from power source (5) through batteryexercising device (301), whereby power cord (303) is connected tobattery exercising device (301), and battery exercising device (301) isconnected directly to power source (5) via power cord (7). Upon theexpiration of the wait period, battery exercising device (301) providespower to standalone recharging device (300), thus enabling standalonerecharging device (300) to charge battery (9).

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in either configuration, battery exercisingdevice (301) acts as a gatekeeper for selectively supplying or actuatinga discharge/charge cycle in conjunction with standalone rechargingdevice (300) at the expiration of the wait period. Other embodiments mayinclude similar configurations whereby battery exercising device (301)actuates standalone recharging device (300) to charge battery (9) uponthe expiration of the wait period. For example, battery exercisingdevice (301) and standalone recharging device (300) may both beconnected directly to power source (5), with battery exercising device(301) controlling the output of standalone recharging device (300) tobattery (9) to ensure the wait period is enforced. Battery exercisingdevice (301) may control or actuate output of standalone rechargingdevice (300) through control sensing feedback using leads or otherelements.

V. Using a Battery Exercising Device with Multiple Batteries

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of battery exercising device (1)connected to three batteries, namely, battery (9A), battery (9B), andbattery (9C). In this embodiment, battery exercising device (1) iscoupled with battery (9A) through positive wire (15A) and negative wire(19A). Similarly, battery exercising device (1) is coupled with battery(9B) through positive wire (15B) and negative wire (19B) and coupledwith battery (9C) through positive wire (15C) and negative wire (19C).In this embodiment, battery exercising device (1) may providedischarging and charging to each of battery (9A), battery (9B), andbattery (9C). While the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes threebatteries (9A, 9B, 9C), other embodiments may include two batteries orfour or more batteries.

In embodiments that include two or more batteries, battery exercisingdevice (1) may be configured to charge and discharge multipleindependent batteries sequentially or batteries electrically connectedin a series or parallel configuration simultaneously. Specifically,control unit (23) may be programmed to simultaneously discharge each ofthe batteries to a respective discharge level, which may or may not bethe same for each battery, and then simultaneously charge each of thebatteries to a respective charge level, which may or may not be the samefor each battery. Alternatively, control unit (23) may be programmed andinclude additional switching circuitry to discharge the first battery toa first discharge level and then charge the first battery to a firstcharge level, while the remaining battery or batteries are waiting to beexercised (i.e., while control unit (23) is in wait mode with respect tothe other battery or batteries). Subsequently, once the first batteryhas been exercised (i.e., discharged to the first discharge level andcharged to the first charge level), then control unit (23) may beprogrammed to begin discharging the second battery to a second dischargelevel, and so on, until each of the batteries has been exercised insequence. There may be a respective wait period associated with each ofthe batteries as well.

VI. Exemplary Combinations

The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in whichthe teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understoodthat the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage ofany claims that may be presented at any time in this application or insubsequent filings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. Thefollowing examples are being provided for nothing more than merelyillustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachingsherein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is alsocontemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred toin the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or featuresreferred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitlyindicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor ininterest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in thisapplication or in subsequent filings related to this application thatinclude additional features beyond those referred to below, thoseadditional features shall not be presumed to have been added for anyreason relating to patentability.

Example 1

A battery exercising device comprising a housing; a real time clockdisposed in the housing; a discharge circuit operable to allow thebattery exercising device to selectively discharge a rechargeablebattery; a charge circuit operable to allow the battery exercisingdevice to selectively charge the rechargeable battery; and a controlunit, wherein the control unit is in communication with the real timeclock such that the control unit receives timing data from the real timeclock, wherein the control unit comprises a processing component,wherein the control unit is programmed to determine if a wait period haselapsed based on the timing data received from the real time clock,wherein the control unit is further programmed to discharge therechargeable battery to a predetermined discharge level via thedischarge circuit if the control unit determines the wait period haselapsed, wherein the control unit is further programmed to charge therechargeable battery to a predetermined charge level via the chargecircuit after the rechargeable battery has been discharged to thepredetermined discharge level.

Example 2

The battery exercising device of Example 1 or any of the followingExamples, wherein the wait period is configurable by a user.

Example 3

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising an input mechanism, wherein the inputmechanism is in communication with the control unit, wherein the waitperiod is configurable by the user through actuation of the inputmechanism.

Example 4

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the discharge level is greater than zero volts.

Example 5

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising an input mechanism, wherein the inputmechanism comprises an external device configured to communicate withthe control unit via a wireless connection between the input mechanismand the control unit.

Example 6

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising a feedback mechanism, wherein the feedbackmechanism is in communication with the control unit, wherein thefeedback mechanism is configured to provide feedback, to a userregarding at least one piece of information about at least one of thebattery exercising device and the rechargeable battery.

Example 7

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the feedback mechanism comprises a light.

Example 8

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the control unit is programmed to illuminate the lightin a first color when the control unit is discharging the rechargeablebattery, and wherein the control unit is further programmed toilluminate the light in a second color when the control unit is chargingthe rechargeable battery, wherein the first color is different than thesecond color.

Example 9

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the feedback mechanism is an audio message.

Example 10

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the processing component comprises at least one of amicrocontroller and a microprocessor.

Example 11

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising a positive wire and a negative wireextending from the housing, wherein the positive wire comprises apositive lead at a distal end of the positive wire, wherein the negativewire comprises a negative lead at a distal end of the negative wire.

Example 12

A battery exercising device comprising: a real time clock; a dischargecircuit operable to allow the battery exercising device to selectivelydischarge a rechargeable battery; a charge circuit operable to allow thebattery exercising device to selectively charge the rechargeablebattery; and a control unit, wherein the control unit is incommunication with the real time clock such that the control unitreceives timing data from the real time clock, wherein the control unitcomprises a processing component, wherein the control unit is programmedto transition from a wait mode to a discharge mode in response todetermining that a wait period has elapsed, wherein the discharge modecomprises an operation mode wherein the control unit discharges therechargeable battery via the discharge circuit, wherein the control unitis further programmed to transition from the discharge mode to a chargemode in response to determining that the rechargeable battery has beendischarged to a predetermined discharge level, wherein the charge modecomprises an operation mode wherein the control unit charges therechargeable battery via the charge circuit.

Example 13

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the control unit is further programmed to transitionto a rest mode after completing the discharge mode and beforetransitioning to the charge mode.

Example 14

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising an input mechanism, wherein the inputmechanism is in communication with the control unit, wherein at leastone of the discharge level and the charge level is configurable by auser through actuation of the input mechanism.

Example 15

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the control unit is further programmed to apply atrickle charge to the rechargeable battery when the control unit is inthe wait mode.

Example 16

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, wherein the wait period comprises at least two weeks.

Example 17

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding or followingExamples, further comprising an input mechanism, wherein the inputmechanism is in communication with the control unit, wherein the controlunit is further programmed to transition to a discharge mode in responseto a corresponding input provided via the input mechanism, wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to transition to a charge mode inresponse to a corresponding input provided via the input mechanism.

Example 18

A battery system comprising: a first rechargeable battery; a batteryexercising device, wherein the battery exercising device is electricallycoupled to the first rechargeable battery, wherein the batteryexercising device comprises a real time clock, and a control unit,wherein the control unit is in communication with the real time clocksuch that the control unit receives timing data from the real timeclock, wherein the control unit comprises a processing component,wherein the control unit is programmed to determine if a first waitperiod has elapsed based on the timing data received from the real timeclock, wherein the control unit is further programmed to discharge thefirst rechargeable battery if the control unit determines the first waitperiod has elapsed, wherein the control unit is further programmed tocharge the first rechargeable battery after the first rechargeablebattery has been discharged to a predetermined first discharge level.

Example 19

The battery system of any of the preceding or following Examples,further comprising a second rechargeable battery, wherein the batteryexercising device is electrically coupled to the second rechargeablebattery, wherein the control unit is further programmed to determine ifa second wait period has elapsed based on the timing data received fromthe real time clock, wherein the control unit is further programmed todischarge the second rechargeable battery if the control unit determinesthe second wait period has elapsed, wherein the control unit is furtherprogrammed to charge the second rechargeable battery after the secondrechargeable battery has been discharged to a predetermined seconddischarge level.

Example 20

The battery system of any of the preceding or following Examples,further comprising a standalone recharging device, wherein thestandalone recharging device is electrically connected to the batteryexercising device.

Example 21

The battery exercising device of any of the preceding Examples, whereinthe battery exercising device is configured to be used in conjunctionwith a lead-acid battery.

VII. Miscellaneous

It should be understood that any of the examples described herein mayinclude various other features in addition to or in lieu of thosedescribed above. By way of example only, any of the examples describedherein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed inany of the various references that are incorporated by reference herein.

It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings,expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may becombined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions,embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. Theabove-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc.should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other.Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined willbe readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of theteachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to beincluded within the scope of the claims.

It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or otherdisclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to beincorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to theextent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existingdefinitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth in thisdisclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure asexplicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting materialincorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, thatis said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts withexisting definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forthherein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arisesbetween that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

Having shown and described various versions of the present invention,further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may beaccomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill inthe art without departing from the scope of the present invention.Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and otherswill be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, theexamples, versions, geometrics, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps,and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required.Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered interms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to thedetails of structure and operation shown and described in thespecification and drawings.

What is claimed is:
 1. A battery exercising device comprising: ahousing; a real time clock disposed in the housing; a discharge circuitoperable to allow the battery exercising device to selectively dischargea rechargeable battery; a charge circuit operable to allow the batteryexercising device to selectively charge the rechargeable battery; and acontrol unit, wherein the control unit is in communication with the realtime clock such that the control unit receives timing data from the realtime clock, wherein the control unit comprises a processing component,wherein the control unit is programmed to determine if a wait period haselapsed based on the timing data received from the real time clock,wherein the control unit is further programmed to discharge therechargeable battery to a predetermined discharge level via thedischarge circuit if the control unit determines the wait period haselapsed, wherein the control unit is further programmed to charge therechargeable battery to a predetermined charge level via the chargecircuit after the rechargeable battery has been discharged to thepredetermined discharge level.
 2. The battery exercising device of claim1, wherein the wait period is configurable by a user.
 3. The batteryexercising device of claim 1, further comprising an input mechanism,wherein the input mechanism is in communication with the control unit,wherein the wait period is configurable by the user through actuation ofthe input mechanism.
 4. The battery exercising device of claim 1,wherein the discharge level is greater than zero volts.
 5. The batteryexercising device of claim 1, further comprising an input mechanism,wherein the input mechanism comprises an external device configured tocommunicate with the control unit via a wireless connection between theinput mechanism and the control unit.
 6. The battery exercising deviceof claim 1, further comprising a feedback mechanism, wherein thefeedback mechanism is in communication with the control unit, whereinthe feedback mechanism is configured to provide feedback, to a userregarding at least one piece of information about at least one of thebattery exercising device and the rechargeable battery.
 7. The batteryexercising device of claim 6, wherein the feedback mechanism comprises alight.
 8. The battery exercising device of claim 7, wherein the controlunit is programmed to illuminate the light in a first color when thecontrol unit is discharging the rechargeable battery, and wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to illuminate the light in a secondcolor when the control unit is charging the rechargeable battery,wherein the first color is different than the second color.
 9. Thebattery exercising device of claim 6, wherein the feedback mechanism isan audio message.
 10. The battery exercising device of claim 1, whereinthe processing component comprises at least one of a microcontroller anda microprocessor.
 11. The battery exercising device of claim 1, furthercomprising a positive wire and a negative wire extending from thehousing, wherein the positive wire comprises a positive lead at a distalend of the positive wire, wherein the negative wire comprises a negativelead at a distal end of the negative wire.
 12. A battery exercisingdevice comprising: a real time clock; a discharge circuit operable toallow the battery exercising device to selectively discharge arechargeable battery; a charge circuit operable to allow the batteryexercising device to selectively charge the rechargeable battery; and acontrol unit, wherein the control unit is in communication with the realtime clock such that the control unit receives timing data from the realtime clock, wherein the control unit comprises a processing component,wherein the control unit is programmed to transition from a wait mode toa discharge mode in response to determining that a wait period haselapsed, wherein the discharge mode comprises an operation mode whereinthe control unit discharges the rechargeable battery via the dischargecircuit, wherein the control unit is further programmed to transitionfrom the discharge mode to a charge mode in response to determining thatthe rechargeable battery has been discharged to a predetermineddischarge level, wherein the charge mode comprises an operation modewherein the control unit charges the rechargeable battery via the chargecircuit.
 13. The battery exercising device of claim 12, wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to transition to a rest mode aftercompleting the discharge mode and before transitioning to the chargemode.
 14. The battery exercising device of claim 12, further comprisingan input mechanism, wherein the input mechanism is in communication withthe control unit, wherein at least one of the discharge level and thecharge level is configurable by a user through actuation of the inputmechanism.
 15. The battery exercising device of claim 12, wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to apply a trickle charge to therechargeable battery when the control unit is in the wait mode.
 16. Thebattery exercising device of claim 12, wherein the wait period comprisesat least two weeks.
 17. The battery exercising device of claim 12,further comprising an input mechanism, wherein the input mechanism is incommunication with the control unit, wherein the control unit is furtherprogrammed to transition to a discharge mode in response to acorresponding input provided via the input mechanism, wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to transition to a charge mode inresponse to a corresponding input provided via the input mechanism. 18.A battery system comprising: a first rechargeable battery; a batteryexercising device, wherein the battery exercising device is electricallycoupled to the first rechargeable battery, wherein the batteryexercising device comprises a real time clock, and a control unit,wherein the control unit is in communication with the real time clocksuch that the control unit receives timing data from the real timeclock, wherein the control unit comprises a processing component,wherein the control unit is programmed to determine if a first waitperiod has elapsed based on the timing data received from the real timeclock, wherein the control unit is further programmed to discharge thefirst rechargeable battery if the control unit determines the first waitperiod has elapsed, wherein the control unit is further programmed tocharge the first rechargeable battery after the first rechargeablebattery has been discharged to a predetermined first discharge level.19. The battery system of claim 18, further comprising a secondrechargeable battery, wherein the battery exercising device iselectrically coupled to the second rechargeable battery, wherein thecontrol unit is further programmed to determine if a second wait periodhas elapsed based on the timing data received from the real time clock,wherein the control unit is further programmed to discharge the secondrechargeable battery if the control unit determines the second waitperiod has elapsed, wherein the control unit is further programmed tocharge the second rechargeable battery after the second rechargeablebattery has been discharged to a predetermined second discharge level.20. The battery system of claim 18, further comprising a standalonerecharging device, wherein the standalone recharging device iselectrically connected to the battery exercising device.